U.S. patent application number 14/946212 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-02 for fixture for electronic devices, vehicle seat with integrated fixture and method for mounting an electronic device in a fixture.
The applicant listed for this patent is Airbus Operations GmbH. Invention is credited to Hans-Achim BAUER, Andre ZYBALA.
Application Number | 20160152340 14/946212 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51987077 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160152340 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BAUER; Hans-Achim ; et
al. |
June 2, 2016 |
FIXTURE FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES, VEHICLE SEAT WITH INTEGRATED
FIXTURE AND METHOD FOR MOUNTING AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE IN A
FIXTURE
Abstract
A fixture for electronic devices includes a substantially planar
receptacle, and a mounting framework arranged at least partially at
the surrounding edges of the receptacle, the mounting framework
having at least one framework component made from a shape memory
material and/or an electro-active polymer, wherein the framework
component exhibits a relaxed state and a triggered state in which
the framework component is moved or flexed inwardly into the area
of the receptacle.
Inventors: |
BAUER; Hans-Achim; (Hamburg,
DE) ; ZYBALA; Andre; (Hamburg, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Airbus Operations GmbH |
Hamburg |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
51987077 |
Appl. No.: |
14/946212 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/217.3 ;
248/550; 29/592.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64D 11/0015 20130101;
B60R 2011/0071 20130101; B64D 11/0624 20141201; H02J 7/025
20130101; H02J 7/042 20130101; B60R 11/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B64D 11/06 20060101
B64D011/06; H02J 7/04 20060101 H02J007/04; H02J 7/02 20060101
H02J007/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 28, 2014 |
EP |
14 195 478.4 |
Claims
1. A fixture for an electronic device, comprising: a substantially
planar receptacle; a mounting framework arranged at least partially
at surrounding edges of the receptacle, the mounting framework
comprising at least one framework component comprising a shape
memory material and/or an electro-active polymer, wherein the
framework component exhibits a relaxed state and a triggered state
in which the framework component is moved or flexed inwardly into
an area of the receptacle.
2. The fixture according to claim 1, wherein the framework
component comprises at least one bracket element which is
configured to perform an angling motion into the area of the
receptacle when moving from its relaxed state to its triggered
state.
3. The fixture according to claim 2, wherein the fixture comprises
four bracket elements which are arranged at corners of the
rectangular receptacle.
4. The fixture according to claim 1, wherein the framework
component comprises at least one looped element which encircles a
first portion of the area of the receptacle in its relaxed state
and a second portion of the area of the receptacle in its triggered
state, the first portion being larger than the second portion.
5. The fixture according to claim 4, wherein the second portion of
the area of the receptacle has an annular or elliptical shape.
6. The fixture according to claim 4, wherein the second portion of
the area of the receptacle is completely encompassed by the first
portion of the area of the receptacle.
7. A vehicle seat, comprising: a fixture having: a substantially
planar receptacle; a mounting framework arranged at least partially
at surrounding edges of the receptacle, the mounting framework
comprising at least one framework component comprising a shape
memory material and/or an electro-active polymer, the framework
component exhibiting a relaxed state and a triggered state in which
the framework component is moved or flexed inwardly into an area of
the receptacle; and a framework controller coupled to the fixture
and configured to emit an activation signal to the at least one
framework component, the activation signal being configured to
control the at least one framework component to move from its
relaxed state to its triggered state.
8. The vehicle seat according to claim 7, further comprising: a
charging coil arranged in a vicinity of the receptacle; and a
fixture controller coupled to the charging coil and the framework
controller, wherein the fixture controller is configured to detect
presence of an electronic device in the proximity of the charging
coil and to cause the framework controller to emit the activation
signal, if the presence of an electronic device in the proximity of
the charging coil has been detected.
9. The vehicle seat according to claim 8, further comprising: a
charging controller coupled to the charging coil and configured to
wirelessly charge an electronic device held in the fixture by the
charging coil.
10. The vehicle seat according to claim 8, further comprising: a
release switch coupled to the framework controller and configured
to cause the framework controller to cease transmitting the
activation signal to the framework component upon manual
activation.
11. An aircraft comprising at least one vehicle seat, the vehicle
seat comprising: a fixture having: a substantially planar
receptacle; a mounting framework arranged at least partially at
surrounding edges of the receptacle, the mounting framework
comprising at least one framework component comprising a shape
memory material and/or an electro-active polymer, the framework
component exhibiting a relaxed state and a triggered state in which
the framework component is moved or flexed inwardly into an area of
the receptacle; and a framework controller coupled to the fixture
and configured to emit an activation signal to the at least one
framework component, the activation signal being configured to
control the at least one framework component to move from its
relaxed state to its triggered state.
12. A method for mounting an electronic device in a fixture, the
fixture having: a substantially planar receptacle; a mounting
framework arranged at least partially at surrounding edges of the
receptacle, the mounting framework comprising at least one
framework component comprising a shape memory material and/or an
electro-active polymer, the framework component exhibiting a
relaxed state and a triggered state in which the framework
component is moved or flexed inwardly into an area of the
receptacle, the method comprising: detecting presence of an
electronic device in the receptacle; causing the at least one
framework component to move or flex from its relaxed state to its
triggered state, thereby grabbing the electronic device at its
edges or corners and holding it in place within the area of the
receptacle.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein detecting the
presence of an electronic device comprises detecting a radio
frequency signal in the vicinity of a coil near the receptacle.
14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: detecting
manual activation of a release switch, when the at least one
framework component is kept in its triggered state; and returning
the framework component to its relaxed state, if an activation of
the release switch is detected.
15. The method according to claim 12, further comprising:
wirelessly charging the electronic device held within the
receptacle by the mounting framework.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to EP 14 195 478.4 filed
Nov. 28, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by
reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure pertains to a fixture for electronic
devices, a vehicle seat with an integrated fixture and a method for
mounting an electronic device in a fixture for electronic devices,
in particular with respect to fixtures and seats in aircraft or
spacecraft.
[0003] Although applicable for any kind of vehicle seat, the
present disclosure and the corresponding underlying problems will
be explained in further detail in conjunction with an aircraft.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Personal electronic devices (PEDs) become increasingly
widespread. Usually those PEDs get carried around along with the
user wherever he travels, including on board of aircraft.
Considering the manifold communication interfaces which such PEDs
comprise it is desirable to provide passengers on board an aircraft
with access to the different networks of the aircraft, for example
a wireless local area network (WLAN). Mobile content distribution
networks on board of aircraft allow extending comfort amenities and
services such as internet access, on-board shopping opportunities
and access to in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems.
[0005] Moreover, it may contribute to a passenger's comfort, if
PEDs may be temporarily deposited or placed down in a receptacle
that facilitates operating the PED and viewing graphical display
units of the PED in a convenient manner. When cradled in such a
receptacle, airlines usually offer charging facilities for the PEDs
utilizing USB ports, power grid connectors and/or wireless charging
such as Qi or Power Matters Alliance (PMA) charging.
[0006] PEDs additionally often incorporate near field communication
(NFC) circuitry comprising NFC chips and corresponding antennas.
NFC is a wireless technology allowing two NFC-enabled devices to
wirelessly communicate over a short distance of several
centimetres. NFC is standardized internationally within NFC Forum
specifications and defined in, for example, ISO/IEC 18092, ISO/IEC
18000-3, ISO/IEC 21481, ECMA-340, ISO 14443, and the like. A main
application area for NFC technology is contactless, short-range
communications on the basis of radio frequency identification
(RFID) standards.
[0007] NFC utilizes electromagnetic field induction that enables
communication between PEDs such as laptops, mobile phones,
smartphones, tablet PCs and the like.
[0008] The document US 2011/0278885 A1 discloses coupling
assemblies for portable electronics devices including a cradle
configured to electronically couple and releasably engage a
portable electronics device, and an adaptor configured to
electronically couple and releasably engage the cradle to a
passenger seat.
[0009] The document U.S. Pat. No. 8,061,550 B2 discloses
reconfigurable bins which include at least one structural component
formed of shape memory materials such as a shape memory polymer, a
shape memory alloy, or a combination thereof. The shape memory
material of the reconfigurable bins is in operative communication
with an activation device adapted to provide an activation signal
effective to change at least one attribute of the shape memory
material such that the bin can be reconfigured from a first shape
to a second shape.
SUMMARY
[0010] It is one idea, feature and/or concept of the disclosure
herein to flexibly allow mounting electronic devices, for example
aircraft passengers' PEDs, to fixtures for holding such electronic
devices, irrespective of size and type of the electronic
devices.
[0011] According to a first aspect of the disclosure herein, a
fixture for electronic devices comprises a substantially planar
receptacle, and a mounting framework arranged at least partially at
the surrounding edges of the receptacle, the mounting framework
comprising at least one framework component comprising a shape
memory material and/or an electro-active polymer, wherein the
framework component exhibits a relaxed state and a triggered state
in which the framework component is moved or flexed inwardly into
the area of the receptacle.
[0012] According to a second aspect of the disclosure herein, a
vehicle seat comprises an integrated fixture for electronic devices
according to the first aspect of the disclosure herein, and a
framework controller coupled to the fixture and configured to emit
an activation signal to the at least one framework component, the
activation signal being configured to control the at least one
framework component to move from its relaxed state to its triggered
state.
[0013] According to a third aspect of the disclosure herein, a
method for mounting an electronic device in a fixture according to
the first aspect of the disclosure herein comprises detecting the
presence of an electronic device in the receptacle, and causing the
at least one framework component to move or flex from its relaxed
state to its triggered state, thereby grabbing the electronic
device at its edges or corners and holding it in place within the
area of the receptacle.
[0014] One idea of the present disclosure is to equip a fixture for
electronic devices with a mounting framework which includes at
least some components being made from shape memory material.
Depending on the size of the electronic device being brought into
the fixture, the components from shape memory material may be
triggered by some suitable activation signal to alter their shape
and thus to adapt the size of the mounting framework to the size of
the electronic device. That way, fixture can be flexibly used for a
large range of sizes of electronic devices.
[0015] Due to the application of shape memory material, the movable
components of the mounting framework electronic devices may exert a
grabbing force onto the edges of the electronic device being
mounted, thus holding the electronic device securely in place. This
is particularly advantageous for applications in aviation, where
the electronic devices need to be securely stowed under all flight
conditions, for example critical operational flight phases such as
take-off, landing and taxi.
[0016] The fixture may advantageously be arranged in the backrest
of a vehicle seat so that a person sitting in a seat behind the
vehicle seat with the integrated fixture may stow his PED in the
fixture. By flexibly allowing storage opportunities for all sorts
and sizes of PEDs, passengers on board of aircraft may always bring
their own PEDs and use them in a convenient manner.
[0017] According to an embodiment of the fixture, the framework
component may comprise at least one bracket element which is
configured to perform an angling motion into the area of the
receptacle when moving from its relaxed state to its triggered
state.
[0018] According to a further embodiment of the fixture, the
fixture may further comprise four bracket elements which are
arranged at corners of the rectangular receptacle. Those bracket
elements may securely hold the electronic device in place while
still allowing access to interface ports such as switches, USB
ports or SD card slots which are commonly arranged at the edges of
electronic devices.
[0019] According to a further embodiment of the fixture, the
framework component may comprise at least one looped element which
encircles a first portion of the area of the receptacle in its
relaxed state and a second portion of the area of the receptacle in
its triggered state, the first portion being larger than the second
portion. Particularly, the second portion of the area of the
receptacle may have an annular or elliptical shape. The ring shape
will come into contact with corners of usually rectangularly shaped
electronic device, thus leaving space at the edges of the
electronic devices for access to interface ports of the electronic
device.
[0020] According to an embodiment of the vehicle seat, the vehicle
seat may further comprise a charging coil arranged in the vicinity
of the receptacle, and a fixture controller coupled to the charging
coil and the framework controller, wherein the fixture controller
is configured to detect the presence of an electronic device in the
proximity of the charging coil and to cause the framework
controller to emit the activation signal, if the presence of an
electronic device in the proximity of the charging coil has been
detected.
[0021] According to a further embodiment of the vehicle seat, the
vehicle seat may further comprise a charging controller coupled to
the charging coil and configured to wirelessly charge an electronic
device held in the fixture by the charging coil.
[0022] According to a further embodiment of the vehicle seat, the
vehicle seat may further comprise a release switch coupled to the
framework controller and configured to cause the framework
controller to cease transmitting the activation signal to the
framework component upon manual activation.
[0023] Such vehicle seats may in particular embodiments be employed
in an aircraft. According to an embodiment of the method, detecting
the presence of an electronic device may comprise detecting a radio
frequency signal in the vicinity of a coil near the receptacle.
Thus, electronic devices with radio frequency based communication
capacities may be automatically detected upon placement into the
receptacle and the grabbing mechanism may be automatically
activated.
[0024] According to a further embodiment of the method, the method
may further comprise detecting the manual activation of a release
switch, when the at least one framework component is kept in its
triggered state, and returning the framework component to its
relaxed state, if an activation of the release switch is detected.
This allows easy access to a push button or similar device, if a
user wants to remove his electronic device from the receptacle
without having to pry it from the grabbing framework
components.
[0025] According to a further embodiment of the method, the method
may further comprise wirelessly charging the electronic device held
within the receptacle by the mounting framework. Since laptops or
portable computers with cable-bound charging interfaces are
steadily on the decline, this may advantageously cater to more
advanced devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs which employ
wireless technologies for communication and charging in
particular.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The disclosure herein will be explained in greater detail
with reference to exemplary embodiments depicted in the drawings as
appended.
[0027] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate
the embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the
description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure
herein. Other embodiments of the present disclosure and many of the
intended advantages of the present disclosure will be readily
appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the
following detailed description. The elements of the drawings are
not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Like reference
numerals designate corresponding similar parts.
[0028] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a plan view of a fixture
for electronic devices according to an embodiment of the disclosure
herein.
[0029] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a plan view of another
fixture for electronic devices according to another embodiment of
the disclosure herein.
[0030] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a vehicle seat with an
integrated fixture for electronic devices and circuitry for
controlling the fixture according to a further embodiment of the
disclosure herein.
[0031] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an aircraft comprising at
least one seat with an integrated fixture for electronic devices
according to a further embodiment of the disclosure herein.
[0032] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a flow diagram of a method
for mounting an electronic device in a fixture for electronic
devices according to a further embodiment of the disclosure
herein.
[0033] In the figures, like reference numerals denote like or
functionally like components, unless indicated otherwise. Any
directional terminology like "top", "bottom", "left", "right",
"above", "below", "horizontal", "vertical", "back", "front", and
similar terms are merely used for explanatory purposes and are not
intended to delimit the embodiments to the specific arrangements as
shown in the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent
implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments
shown and described without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. Generally, this application is intended to cover any
adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed
herein.
[0035] Fixtures within the meaning of the present disclosure may
comprise any type of receptacle, mounting, holder, cradle or
similar attachment structure that includes a recess or hollow for
receiving an object to be fixed and/or held therein. Fixtures
within the meaning of the present disclosure are, by way of design,
configured to exert countering mechanical forces onto two or more
edges, corners or boundary elements of the held object so that the
object is tightly secured in its place within the fixture.
[0036] Personal electronic devices (PEDs) within the meaning of the
present disclosure comprise all electronic devices which may be
employed for entertainment, communication and/or office purposes.
For example, PEDs may comprise all sorts of end terminals, such as
laptops, mobile phones, smartphones, handheld devices, palmtops,
tablet PCs, GPS devices, navigation devices, audio devices such as
MP3 players, portable DVD or Bluray.RTM. players or digital
cameras.
[0037] Seats within the meaning of the present disclosure may
comprise any form of structural components intended to host a
passenger for the duration of a flight of an aircraft, the seat
being a location which may be used personally and at least
temporarily exclusively by the passenger of the aircraft during the
flight. Seats within the meaning of the disclosure herein may be
aircraft seats, but also loungers, armchairs, beds, suites of the
first or royal class or similar seating furniture within an
aircraft.
[0038] Shape memory materials (SMMs) within the meaning of the
present disclosure may comprise shape memory polymers (SMPs), shape
memory alloys (SMAS) and electro-active polymers (EAPs).
[0039] SMPs may generally refer to any type of polymeric material
which exhibits a change in a property, such as an elastic modulus,
a shape orientation, or a combination comprising at least one of
the foregoing properties upon application of an activation signal,
for example a thermal, magnetic, electrical or chemical activation
signal, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing
activation signals. SMPs may include phase segregated co-polymers
comprising at least two different units, which may be described as
defining different segments within the SMP, each segment
contributing differently to the overall properties of the SMP. As
used herein, the term "segment" refers to a block, graft, or
sequence of the same or similar monomer or oligomer units, which
are copolymerized to form the SMP.
[0040] It should be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art
that it is possible to configure SMPs in many different forms and
shapes. Engineering the composition and structure of the polymer
itself can allow for the choice of a particular temperature for a
desired application. The SMP may be heated by any suitable approach
or means. For example, for elevated temperatures, heat may be
supplied using electrical current. The activator may, for example,
be in the form of heat conduction from a heated element in contact
with or in proximity of the SMP, such as an infrared heating, a
resistive heating, a thermoelectric heating, or the like.
[0041] Suitable shape memory polymers, regardless of the particular
type of SMP, can be thermoplastics, thermosets-thermoplastic
copolymers, interpenetrating networks, semi-interpenetrating
networks, or mixed networks. The polymers can be linear or branched
elastomers with side chains or dendritic structural elements.
Suitable polymer components to form a shape memory polymer include,
but are not limited to, polyphosphazenes, poly(vinyl alcohols),
polyamides, polyimides, polyester amides, poly(amino acid)s,
polyanhydrides, polycarbonates, polyacrylates, polyalkylenes,
polyacrylamides, polyalkylene glycols, polyalkylene oxides,
polyalkylene terephthalates, polyortho esters, polyvinyl ethers,
polyvinyl esters, polyvinyl halides, polyesters, polylactides,
polyglycolides, polysiloxanes, polyurethanes, polyethers, polyether
amides, polyether esters, and copolymers thereof. Examples of
suitable polyacrylates include poly(methyl methacrylate),
poly(ethyl methacrylate), poly(butyl methacrylate), poly(isobutyl
methacrylate), poly(hexyl methacrylate), poly(isodecyl
methacrylate), poly(lauryl methacrylate), poly(phenyl
methacrylate), poly(methyl acrylate), poly(isopropyl acrylate),
poly(isobutyl acrylate) and poly(octadecylacrylate). Examples of
other suitable polymers include polystyrene, polypropylene,
polyvinyl phenol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, chlorinated polybutylene,
poly(octadecyl vinyl ether), poly (ethylene vinyl acetate),
polyethylene, poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(ethylene terephthalate),
polyethylene/nylon (graft copolymer), polycaprolactones-polyamide
(block copolymer), poly(caprolactone) dimethacrylate-n-butyl
acrylate, poly(norbornyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane),
polyvinylchloride, urethane/butadiene copolymers,
polyurethane-containing block copolymers, styrene-butadiene block
copolymers, and the like.
[0042] Similar to SMPs, SMAS may exist in several different
temperature-dependent phases. The most commonly utilized of these
phases are the so-called martensite and austenite phases. In the
following discussion, the martensite phase generally refers to the
more deformable, lower temperature phase whereas the austenite
phase generally refers to the more rigid, higher temperature phase.
When the shape memory alloy is in the martensite phase and is
heated, it begins to change into the austenite phase. The
temperature at which this phenomenon starts is often referred to as
austenite start temperature (As). The temperature at which this
phenomenon is complete is called the austenite finish temperature
(Af). When the SMA is in the austenite phase and is cooled, it
begins to change into the martensite phase, and the temperature at
which this phenomenon starts is referred to as the martensite start
temperature (Ms). The temperature at which austenite finishes
transforming to martensite is called the martensite finish
temperature (Mf). Generally, the SMAS are softer and more easily
deformable in their martensitic phase and are harder, stiffer,
and/or more rigid in the austenitic phase. In view of the foregoing
properties, expansion of the SMA may be at or below the austenite
transition temperature (at or below As). Subsequent heating above
the austenite transition temperature may cause the expanded shape
memory alloy to revert back to its permanent shape. Thus, a
suitable activation signal for use with SMAS is a thermal
activation signal having a magnitude to cause transformations
between the martensite and austenite phases.
[0043] Suitable SMA materials include, but are not intended to be
limited to, nickel-titanium based alloys, indium-titanium based
alloys, nickel-aluminum based alloys, nickel-gallium based alloys,
copper based alloys (e.g., copper-zinc alloys, copper-aluminum
alloys, copper-gold, and copper-tin alloys), gold-cadmium based
alloys, silver-cadmium based alloys, indium-cadmium based alloys,
manganese-copper based alloys, iron-platinum based alloys,
iron-palladium based alloys, and the like. The alloys can be
binary, ternary, or any higher order so long as the alloy
composition exhibits a shape memory effect, e.g., change in shape
orientation, changes in yield strength, and/or flexural modulus
properties, damping capacity, superelasticity, and the like.
Selection of a suitable SMA composition depends on the temperature
range where the component will operate.
[0044] EAPs include those polymeric materials that exhibit
piezoelectric, pyroelectric, or electrostrictive properties in
response to electrical or mechanical fields. An example would be an
electrostrictive-grafted elastomer with a piezoelectric
poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoro-ethylene) copolymer. This
combination has the ability to produce a varied amount of
ferroelectric-electrostrictive molecular composite systems. These
may be operated as a piezoelectric sensor or even an
electrostrictive actuator.
[0045] Materials suitable for use as an EAP may include any
substantially insulating polymer or rubber (or combination thereof)
that deforms in response to an electrostatic force or whose
deformation results in a change in electric field. Exemplary
materials suitable for use as a pre-strained polymer include
silicone elastomers, acrylic elastomers, polyurethanes,
thermoplastic elastomers, copolymers comprising PVDF,
pressure-sensitive adhesives, fluoroelastomers, polymers comprising
silicone and acrylic moieties, and the like. Polymers comprising
silicone and acrylic moieties may include copolymers comprising
silicone and acrylic moieties, polymer blends comprising a silicone
elastomer and an acrylic elastomer, for example.
[0046] As mentioned above, the mounting brackets for a fixture for
electronic devices may generally include a structural component
that is at least partially formed from an SMP, SMA, EAP or any
combination thereof. The SMAS and SMPs have a selected thermal
transition temperature whereas a suitable voltage is applied in the
case of EAPs at which these shape memory materials undergo a change
in its modulus of elasticity and/or shape. The change in the
modulus of elasticity either allows (for an unloaded article) or
results in (for a loaded article) a change in the shape of at least
the structural component. The SMPs or SMAS of the structural
component may be in the form of a solid such as a wire, a sheet, a
slab, a ring or any other possible geometric shape. The EAPs
exhibit a similar behaviour albeit as a function of applied voltage
and will generally have a solid form.
[0047] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a plan view of a fixture 11
for an electronic device 2. The fixture 11 generally comprises a
receptacle which may be rectangular in shape. The receptacle may be
substantially planar and may serve as supporting structure for the
generally planar backside of an electronic device such as a PED,
for example a tablet PC, a phablet, a smartphone or similar. The
electronic device 2 as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 1 is shown
to be generally rectangular in shape as well, however, it should be
noted that any other outer shape for the electronic device 2 may be
possible as well.
[0048] The receptacle of the fixture 11 may for example be
fabricated from any suited rigid material such as plastics or
metal. The receptacle may generally include a plate-like flat
member that may be attached to or inserted in a vehicle seat, for
example in the backrest or headrest of a vehicle seat.
[0049] The receptacle may be recessed by a certain depth so that an
electronic device 2 placed into or onto the receptacle will be at
least partially inserted into the fixture 11. The electronic device
2 may be placed into the receptacle with a display module thereof
facing outwardly from the fixture, thereby enabling viewing
graphical content displayed on the display module to be seen by a
user when looking onto the electronic device 2 held within the
fixture 11. As exemplarily shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 2
may be placed into the receptacle with the display oriented in
portrait mode, however, any other orientation may be possible as
well, for example the placement of the electronic device 2 into the
receptacle with the display being oriented generally in a landscape
mode.
[0050] The electronic device 2 may for example comprise a charging
unit which may be arranged near to a solenoid integrated within the
fixture 11. For example, a solenoid may be placed within or behind
the placement are of the receptacle.
[0051] When the electronic device 2 is properly placed into the
receptacle of the fixture 11, the charging unit of the electronic
device 2 may establish a communication link with the solenoid of
the fixture 11, for example by inductive energy coupling. The
communication link may be used to perform inductive power coupling
to allow energy to be transferred from a power supply connected to
the solenoid to an electrical energy storage of the electronic
device without the need for a wirebound connection therebetween.
Across the solenoid an oscillating electric potential may be
applied which sets up an oscillating magnetic field in the vicinity
of the solenoid. The oscillating magnetic field may induce a
secondary oscillating electrical potential in a coil within the
charging unit of the electronic device placed close to the solenoid
within the fixture 11, thereby transmitting electrical energy from
the solenoid to the charging unit by electromagnetic induction
without a conductive connection between the solenoid and the coil
of the charging unit. The solenoid of the fixture 11 may be adapted
to generate an electromagnetic field suitable to induce a current
in a coil of the charging unit.
[0052] The solenoid within the fixture 11 may be driven by a
transfer driver which in turn may be controlled by a charging
controller. The charging controller may be adapted to control the
charging functionality of the solenoid within the fixture 11 by
issuing respective control signals to the transfer driver. For
example, the charging controller may be adapted to communicate with
the electronic device 2 according to the Qi standard to initiate a
wireless charging process.
[0053] The fixture 11 may further be equipped with power plugs (not
shown) that may be used to connect the electronic device 2 placed
within the receptacle with an external power supply network. A
power line may be connected to the power plug of the fixture 11 to
draw power from power sources such as for example aircraft internal
power sources, such as a 28VDC power network of the aircraft, and
distribute it to the individual fixtures 11. The fixture 11 may
also comprise other types of plugs, for example USB ports or LAN
ports for connecting an electronic device 2 thereto by cable. The
USB ports or LAN ports may be connected to a data line by which
control signals, configuration data or data signals may be provided
to and from the individual fixtures 11 and, hence, cable-connected
electronic devices 2 held therein.
[0054] The fixture 11 further comprises a mounting framework 1 that
is arranged at least partially at the surrounding edges of the
receptacle. The mounting framework 1 may form a closed loop around
the area of the receptacle and may generally extend outwardly from
the plane of extension of the receptacle, thereby forming a tray
structure for placing an electronic device 2 therein. The mounting
framework 1 comprises at least one framework component 3. The
framework component 3 may for example be a bracket element 3 which
is configured to perform an angling motion into the area of the
receptacle.
[0055] The angling motion is exemplarily depicted in FIG. 1: The
relaxed state of the bracket element 3 is indicated with the dashed
line and the reference sign 5a, whereas the triggered state is
indicated by the unbroken line and the reference sign 5b. When
moving from its relaxed state 5a to its triggered state 5b, the
bracket element 3 swings inwardly from the general outline of the
mounting framework 1, thereby effectively diminishing the area
fenced in by the mounting framework 1.
[0056] An electronic device 2 that is smaller in outer dimensions
than the dimensions of the enclosed by the mounting framework 1
with the framework components 3 being held in their relaxed state
5a will be firmly grabbed by the framework components 3. Due to the
angling motion and the concomitant continuous diminishing of the
surrounded area on the receptacle, the bracket elements 3 will at
some point come into contact with the corners or edges of the
electronic device 2 placed in the receptacle.
[0057] As exemplarily shown in FIG. 1 the fixture 11 comprises four
bracket elements 3 which are arranged at corners of the rectangular
receptacle. The bracket elements 3 may be controlled by respective
control signals to change their state from the relaxed state 5a and
the triggered state 5b to be moved or flexed inwardly into the area
of the receptacle (and back, if applicable). Depending on the
control of the bracket elements 3, the bracket elements 3 will
exert a grabbing force onto the electronic device 2. The countering
grabbing forces of respectively opposite bracket elements 3 will
mechanically keep the electronic device pinched therebetween and
thus tightly in place within the fixture 11. The grabbing forces
may be designed to comply with safety standards, such as the head
injury compliance (HIC) security regulations on board of
aircraft.
[0058] To effect the revertible change from their relaxed state 5a
to their triggered state 5b, the framework components 3 may
comprise a shape memory material and/or an electro-active polymer.
For example, the framework components 3 may be wholly or partially
fabricated from a suitable shape memory material and/or an
electro-active polymer such that electric control signals applied
to the framework components 3 may cause them to change their
geometric shape.
[0059] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates another possible variant
for a fixture 11. The fixture 11 differs from the fixture in FIG. 1
mainly in that the framework component comprises at least one
looped element 4 which encircles a first portion of the area of the
receptacle in its relaxed state 5a and a second portion of the area
of the receptacle in its triggered state 5b. Since the first
portion is larger than the second portion, an electronic device 2
may be grabbed or pinched in between the framework component 4 and
thus firmly held in place within the receptacle. The second portion
of the area of the receptacle may in particular be completely
encompassed by the first portion of the area of the receptacle, as
indicated by the dashed and unbroken lines in FIG. 2,
respectively.
[0060] It may be particularly useful to form the closed loop
element 4 in the shape of an annular or elliptical shape so that an
electronic device 2 having a rectangular shape will come into
contact with the closed loop element 4 at its corners when the
closed loop element 4 moves into its triggered state 5b. At the
same time, due to the annular or elliptical shape, the edges of the
electronic device 2 will still be spaced apart from the closed loop
element 4 by a certain distance, thereby allowing free or
unhindered access to ports and interfaces that may arranged at the
edges of the electronic device 2.
[0061] FIG. 3 schematically shows an illustration of a part of a
vehicle seat 12 with an integrated fixture 11. For purposes of
illustration, the fixture 11 is shown in the implementation of FIG.
2, however, other types of implementation such as the one of FIG. 1
may equally be possible for the setup of the vehicle seat in FIG.
3. The vehicle seat 12 may for example be installed in a passenger
cabin of an aircraft with multiple seats. Each of the vehicle seats
12 may comprise armrests, headrests or backrests at which a fixture
11 may be installed or arranged. Of course, it may also be possible
to arrange the fixtures 11 at different positions at or in the
vicinity of the vehicle seat 12. For example, the fixture 11 may
also be integrated into a tray table of a back rest of a vehicle
seat 12.
[0062] FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of an aircraft 13
within which one or more vehicle seat such as the vehicle seat 12
in FIG. 3 may be installed. The aircraft 13 may in particular
comprise vehicle seats 12 in its passenger cabin with fixtures
integrated therein, such as the fixtures 11 as shown in and
explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0063] The vehicle seat 12 comprises a fixture 11 with a receptacle
and a mounting framework 1. The fixture 11 is coupled to a
framework controller 9 which is configured to emit an activation
signal to the framework component(s) 3, 4 of the mounting framework
1. The activation signal is used to control the framework
component(s) 3, 4 to move from their relaxed state 5a to their
triggered state 5b, for example by distortion of the respective
shape memory material or the electro-active polymer.
[0064] The vehicle seat 12 may for example further comprise a
charging coil 7 which is arranged in the vicinity of the receptacle
of the fixture, for example in the middle of the receptacle. A
fixture controller 6 may be coupled to the charging coil 7 and the
framework controller 9. The fixture controller 6 may be configured
to detect the presence of an electronic device 2 in the proximity
of the charging coil 7. If an electronic device 2 has been
detected, the fixture controller 6 causes the framework controller
9 to emit the activation signal. This causes the framework
component(s) 3, 4 to distort in a way that the electronic device 2
is grabbed or clamped and held firmly in place in the
receptacle.
[0065] Due to the clamping motion of the framework component(s) 3,
4, the electronic device 2 may at the same time be precisely
positioned in relation to the charging coil 7 so that the charging
coil 7 may be used for inductively transmitting electrical energy
to a corresponding coil or solenoid within the electronic device 2
in a most energy efficient manner. To that end, the vehicle seat
may further comprise a charging controller 8 coupled to the
charging coil 7 which is configured to wirelessly charge an
electronic device 2 held in the fixture 11 by the charging coil
7.
[0066] The vehicle seat 12 may further comprise a release switch 10
coupled to the framework controller 9. The release switch 10 may be
manually activated by a user to cause the framework controller 9 to
cease transmitting the activation signal to the framework
component(s) 3, 4. Thereby, an owner or user of the electronic
device 2 may free up the electronic device 2 from the receptacle
again without the need to pry it free from the clamping grip of the
framework component(s) 3, 4.
[0067] FIG. 5 shows a schematic illustration of a method 20 for
mounting an electronic device in a fixture. For example, the method
20 may be used with a fixture 11 such as the one illustrated in and
explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2. The method 20 may be
particularly employed for integrated fixtures in vehicle seats,
such as the vehicle seat 12 in FIG. 3. The method 20 may
specifically be suited for employment and performance in aircraft
for fixtures installed in aircraft seats, such as the seats in the
aircraft 13 as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0068] The method 20 comprises at 21 detecting the presence of an
electronic device 2 in the receptacle of a fixture 11. This may for
example be done by detecting a radio frequency signal in the
vicinity of a coil 7 near the receptacle of the fixture 11. When it
has been detected that an electronic device 2 has been placed in
the receptacle, the method 20 comprises at 22 causing at least one
framework component 3, 4 of a mounting framework 1 of the fixture
11 to move or flex from a relaxed state 5a to a triggered state 5b.
This causes the framework component(s) 3, 4 to mechanically engage
with outer edges or corners of the electronic device 2, thereby
grabbing the electronic device 2 at its edges or corners and
holding it in place within the area of the receptacle of the
fixture 11.
[0069] The method 20 further comprises at 23 wirelessly charging
the electronic device 2 held within the receptacle by the mounting
framework 1. This may conveniently be done by a coil or solenoid
within or behind the receptacle of the fixture 11 with which a
wireless communication link and/or inductive energy transfer link
may be established by a respective coil or solenoid within the
electronic device 2.
[0070] As long as the wireless communication link and/or inductive
energy transfer link is kept established, the electronic device 2
may be firmly held in place by the mounting framework 1 and in
particular the framework component(s) grabbing the edges or corners
of the electronic device 2. If a user or owner of the electronic
device 2 wishes to remove the electronic device 2 from the fixture
11, he may manually activate a release switch 10, for example a
pushbutton. The release switch 10 stands in operative connection
with the control mechanism for keeping the framework component(s)
3, 4 in their triggered state. Thus, when at 24 it is detected that
the user manually activated the release switch 10, the method 20
may at 25 return the framework component(s) 3, 4 to their relaxed
state 5a.
[0071] In the foregoing detailed description, various features are
grouped together in one or more examples or examples with the
purpose of streamlining the disclosure. It is to be understood that
the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not
restrictive. It is intended to cover all alternatives,
modifications and equivalents. Many other examples will be apparent
to one skilled in the art upon reviewing the above specification.
In particular, the embodiments and configurations described for the
composite reinforcement components and structural elements can be
applied accordingly to the aircraft or spacecraft according to the
disclosure herein and the method according to the disclosure
herein, and vice versa.
[0072] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best
explain the principles of the disclosure herein and its practical
applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the disclosure herein and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. In
the appended claims and throughout the specification, the terms
"including" and "in which" are used as the plain-English
equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein,"
respectively. Furthermore, "a" or "one" does not exclude a
plurality in the present case.
* * * * *